![\"TED](\"https:\/\/ted.adventist.org\/sitenews\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/images_news-2019_TED_office_staffspeakers.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThis was then followed by a more formal presentation on stress where, with a balance of humour, theory, and practical information, J\u00f3nsson led staff through practical steps in balancing stress within the confines of \u2018working for God\u2019, along with family and health needs.<\/p>\n One of practical tips, J\u00f3nsson noted, was to try and get out in nature regularly \u2013 or even just look at nature pictures. He also emphasised the benefits of prayer, particularly when focused towards a God of love. Fitting things to the natural cycle of your body clock with an early breakfast, combined with exercise, Platt-McDonald concluded, is the best way to start the day.<\/p>\n Naturally you would expect the lunch to be healthy \u2013 and it was \u2013 but that left Dr Chidi Ngwaba with the challenge of the sleepy, \u2018after lunch\u2019 slot. He need not have worried. With a strong track-record on reversing or preventing lifestyle diseases through diet and exercise, in very practical ways, he shared tips on how to exercise better \u2013 right from first thing in the morning. A number of staff are now making enquiries about standing desks as they recognised the benefits of less sitting while in the office, as well as taking a lunch-time walk, and moving around the office space from time to time.<\/p>\n Discussions based around the good theories continued the next day as staff boarded a coach for a trip to the stunningly beautiful Isle of Wight on England\u2019s South Coast. A boat trip, walks on the beach, and a visit to medieval Carisbrooke Castle gave time for conversations, deepening friendships, fun and relaxation.<\/p>\n Has the two days been beneficial? Perhaps it is too early to say \u2013 but what is clear is that there is a spring in the step of office staff, a bigger smile on the faces, and with that, a full expectation that looking after health appropriately will have productivity benefits within the work environment. Certainly, going by the positive messages that started appearing on the staff WhatsApp group and a short, fun video report<\/a>, individual staff members are appreciating both the effort put in and the anticipated benefits.<\/p>\n<\/a>Helgi J\u00f3nsson, TED Heath director, set the tone for the two days by noting how Jesus dealt with stress. In Matthew 14<\/a> J\u00f3nsson noted that Jesus reacted to the news of the death of John the Baptist by retreating to a desert place, yet He also dealt with stress by showing compassion, healing, teaching and feeding the 5,000. At the end of the day, Jesus again retreated and spent time alone, in prayer.<\/p>\n<\/a>\u201cIf you think you are stressed, you will be!\u201d he emphasised, while noting that dealing with stress in an office environment is very different to the \u2018fight or flight\u2019 situations that our forebears would have faced. Thus, today\u2019s stress is more of a vague, strange phenomenon which, somehow, the brain must interpret as it sets cortisol levels, trying to determine how much energy the body will need.<\/p>\n
Together with the experts that followed, he also indicated the need for 7+ hours of sleep per night, that any exercise is a stress reliever, as is getting involved in creative arts.<\/p>\n<\/a>Three other experts came from across the British Union Conference (BUC) to share their passion for good health. BUC Health director, Sharon Platt-McDonald linked our dietary habits to the natural rhythms of our bodies and the 24-hour cycle of day and night. She emphasised that learning how to balance our diets, focusing the right foods at the appropriate times of day with five-hour gaps between meals and a twelve-hour gap at night will be beneficial to our well-being.<\/p>\n<\/a>Grace Walsh, Health director for the North England Conference took an equally important look at mental health. She teaches a course in mental first aid and shared how we can best be supportive and protective in what can be delicate situations.<\/p>\n<\/a>Dr Chidi cares for Health Ministries in the South England Conference and is recognised internationally for his very practical expertise. He also lives by example with a daily exercise programme and a careful diet combined with a joyful spirit.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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